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England's Fabio Wardley will be upgraded to world boxing champion after the Ukrainian champion decided to relinquish his world title

This situation arises after Ukrainian fighter informed the World Boxing Organisation he would not engage in a obligatory title fight against the British challenger

Official Announcement

The championship body announced that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his title after thoughtful consideration"

Usyk still holds the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in July to become a double undisputed champion

He originally secured the all-belt title holder in last year by defeating the British champion, before giving up the IBF title shortly after and choosing to avoid the mandatory challenger

"Organization head Gustavo Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a statement"

"The organization offers its deep appreciation and respect to the Ukrainian champion, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion"

"His career stands as one of the most extraordinary and historic of the contemporary boxing period"

The boxing body stated that its institution will continue to support the champion and his camp"

Championship History

The champion captured the WBO belt in 2021 by beating the British star and went on to successfully defend multiple times

In mid-year, the championship body required discussions for a obligatory championship fight against temporary title holder Parker, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to force the postponement of the contest

British Fighter's Journey

But Wardley, 30, won the provisional belt from Parker with a major surprise in the 11th round at London's O2 Arena recently and was ordered to fight the champion before the end of September

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced the title change but his representative believes it is a certainty

"Britain has a recent title holder and a new star of the sport"

"One of the most incredible stories during my long career as a sports manager and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Significant bouts in the future for the coming period as he protects his championship and establishes his place in the boxing world"

Wardley entered the sport aged 20, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had a limited professional record

What's Next

• The likely championship upgrade represents an important development in the division
• The champion's choice to relinquish the title paves the way for more fighters
• The fighting community now awaits official confirmation from the championship body
• The British fighter's journey from unconventional beginning to championship status continues to capture attention